Great Plains Journalism Awards

The Tulsa Press Club is proud to announce the 2021 Great Plains Journalism Awards winners.

The Great Plains Journalism Awards is a regional contest honoring print, web, TV and magazine journalists for outstanding stories, photography and design. The eight-state competition includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. 

Tulsa native Roy S. Johnson, whose journalism career has spanned more than 40 years, received the Distinguished Lecturer Award and gave the keynote address during the live broadcast of this year’s virtual event on May 7.

The top nine overall winners are:
Great Plains Newspaper of the Year: Omaha World-Herald
Great Plains Magazine of the Year: Oklahoma Today
Great Plains Website of the Year: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Great Plains Designer of the Year: Tammy Yttri, Omaha World-Herald
Great Plains Newspaper Writer of the Year: Trevor Brown, Oklahoma Watch
Great Plains Newspaper Photographer of the Year: Tommy Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Great Plains Magazine Photographer of the Year: Kevin A. Roberts, St. Louis Magazine
Great Plains Magazine Writer of the Year: Jeannette Cooperman, St. Louis Magazine
Great Plains Student Newspaper of the Year: The Daily Iowan — The University of Iowa

This year also marks a first for Tulsa Press Club as it celebrated its inaugural class of inductees to the Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame.  The 2021 inductees to the Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame are:
Brenda Blagg of Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Susan Ellerbach of Tulsa World
Kelly Dyer Fry of The Oklahoman
Michael Kelly of Omaha World-Herald
Jim Langdon of Langdon Publishing

More than 600 entries were received this year, with winners and finalists named in 73 professional and student categories. Five student journalists were awarded $2,000 scholarships named after former Tulsa Press Club president and ONEOK executive Dan Harrison.

Thank you to our 2021 sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, ONEOK, Cherokee Nation Businesses, Langdon Publishing, Citizen Potawatomi Nation and Tulsa Community College. 

Below is a list of the 2021 Great Plains Journalism Awards winners and finalists by publication.

40/29 News
Multimedia Graphic: Adam Call Roberts

605 Magazine
Magazine Lifestyle Photography: John Snyder
Alana Snyder, finalist
Jordan Cushman, finalist

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sports Feature Photography: Tommy Metthe
Headline Portfolio: Sandra Tyler
Feature Page Design: Stan Denman
Spot News Photography: Tommy Metthe
General News Photography: Tommy Metthe
Editorial Portfolio: David Barham, Walter Hussman
Editorial Cartoon: John Deering
Online Project: Ginny Monk, Carrie Hill, Yutao Chen
Great Plains Newspaper Photographer of the Year: Tommy Metthe
Great Plains Website of the Year: Staff
Alan Koonse, finalist
Andy Davis, finalist
Brian Smith, finalist
Carrie Hill, finalist
Cary Jenkins, finalist
Eric Besson, finalist
George Stoia, finalist
Ginny Monk, finalist
Helaine R. Williams, finalist
Jeannie Roberts, finalist
John Brummett, finalist
John Moritz, finalist
Joseph Flaherty, finalist
Justin Cunningham, finalist
Kat Stromquist, finalist
Kelly Brant, finalist
Lara Farrar, finalist
Lisa Hammersly, finalist
Maggie McNeary, finalist
Mark Dooley, finalist
Mary Alston, finalist
Rachel O’Neal, finalist
Staton Breidenthal, finalist
Stephen Steed, finalist
Stephen Swofford, finalist
Tony Holt, finalist
William Sanders, finalist
Yutao Chen, finalist

The Augustana Mirror and 605 Magazine
Alana Snyder, finalist
Dawn Geertsema, finalist
Janet Blank Libra, finalist
Jeffrey Miller, finalist

Curbside Chronicle
Magazine Column Writing: Nathan Poppe
Magazine Graphic/Illustration: Natalie Kent
George Lang, finalist
Jacquelyn Walsh, finalist
Jayna Hadwiger, finalist
Katrina Ward, finalist
Natalie Kent, finalist
Nate Ward, finalist
Travis Tindell, finalist
William Muschinske, finalist

Daily American Republic
Barbara Ann Horton, finalist
Brian Rosener, finalist
Donna Farley, finalist
Michael Shine, finalist
Michelle Friedrich, finalist
Mike Buhler, finalist
Nancy Nelson Vines, finalist
Paul Davis, finalist
Scott Borkgren, finalist

The Frontier
Project/Investigative Reporting: Brianna Bailey
Kassie McClung, finalist

Iowa Falls Times Citizen
Sara Konrad Baranowski, finalist

Lincoln Journal Star
Feature Photography: Francis Gardler
Feature Writing: Cindy Lange-Kubick
Chris Dunker, finalist
Justin Wan, finalist

Make Oklahoma Weirder
Evan Jarvicks, finalist

Mitchell Republic
Matt Gade, finalist

Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Brenda Blagg
Andy Shupe, finalist
Carrie Hill, finalist
Charlie Kaijo, finalist
Dan Holtmeyer, finalist
Dave Perozek, finalist
Doug Thompson, finalist
Emily Walkenhorst, finalist
Hunter Field, finalist
Jeff Mitchell, finalist
Kat Stromquist, finalist
Lara Farrar, finalist
Lara Hightower, finalist
Lisa Thompson, finalist
Maggie McNeary, finalist
Mary Jordan, finalist
Sandra Tyler, finalist
Sonny Albarado, finalist
Spencer Tirey, finalist
Tony Reyes, finalist

Oklahoma Humanities Magazine
Andy Rieger, finalist
Anne Richardson, finalist
Art Lien, finalist
Ayelet Tsabari, finalist
Carla Walker, finalist
Cindy Allen, finalist
David Craig, finalist
Dick Pryor, finalist
Kimberly Roblin, finalist
Rich Lenz, finalist
Sara Bowersock, finalist
Susan Ellerbach, finalist

Oklahoma Today
Magazine Portrait: Shane Bevel
Magazine Food Feature Writing: Staff
Ashley Dawn, finalist
Liz Blood, finalist
Nathan Gunter, finalist
Sam Anderson, finalist
Steven Walker, finalist

Oklahoma Watch
Art Haddaway, finalist
Ayanna Najuma, finalist
Cecilia Hernandez-Cromwell, finalist
Dany Varghese, finalist
Dawn Shelton, finalist
Elizabeth Caldwell, finalist
Heather Slingerland, finalist
J.D. Meisner, finalist
Jacob Threadgill, finalist
Jacob Unruh, finalist
James Coburn, finalist 
Jenni Carlson, finalist
Jennifer Palmer, finalist
Kathryn McNutt, finalist
Kristi Eaton, finalist
Lindsey Chastain, finalist
Miguel Rios, finalist
Mike Simons, finalist
Paul Monies, finalist
Siali Siaosi, finalist
Steve Lackmeyer, finalist
Traci Chapman, finalist 
Trevor Brown, finalist
Whitney Bryen, finalist

The Oklahoman
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Kelly Dyer Fry
Magazine Photography, Feature: Sarah Phipps
Food: Dave Cathey
Sports Page Design: Jeff Patterson
News Package: Josh Dulaney, David Dishman, Nate Billings, Paige Dillard
Berry Tramel, finalist
Bobby Ross Jr. , finalist
Brandy McDonnell, finalist
Bryan Terry, finalist
Chris Landsberger, finalist
Dale Denwalt, finalist
David Dishman, finalist
Jack Money, finalist
Jacob Unruh, finalist
Jenni Carlson, finalist
Joe Mussatto, finalist
The Oklahoman Staff, finalist

Omaha Magazine
Bill Sitzmann, finalist
Doug Meigs, finalist
Mady Besch, finalist 
Matt Wieczorek, finalist
Omaha Magazine, finalist

Omaha World-Herald
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Michael Kelly
Sports Action Photography: Chris Machian
Sports Column: Dirk Chatelain
Narrative Story/Series: Dirk Chatelain, Rick Ruggles, Erin Duffy, Joe Dejka, Christopher Burbach, Evan Bland, Jon Nyatawa, Chris Heady, Sam McKewon, Mike Patterson
General News Continuing Coverage: Jessica Wade, Erin Duffy, Alia Conley, Todd Cooper
News Page Design: Tammy Yttri
Sports Feature: Dirk Chatelain
Graphics/Illustration: Matt Haney
General News Single Story: Henry Cordes, Alia Conley, Todd Cooper, Erin Duffy
Beat Reporting: Julie Anderson
Photo story/Photo essay: Anna Reed
Great Plains Designer of the Year: Tammy Yttri
Great Plains Newspaper of the Year: Staff
Cory Gilinsky, finalist
Jake Anderson, finalist
Jeff Robb, finalist
Jessica Wade, finalist
Kristin Donovan, finalist 
Nancy Gaarder, finalist
Natalie Saenz, finalist
Paul Hammel, finalist
Stu Pospisil, finalist
Zach Tegler, finalist

Presence Magazine
Shane Bevel, finalist

South Dakota News Watch
Business Reporting: Bart Pfankuch, Nick Lowrey

St. Louis Magazine
Magazine Photography, Multiple: R.J. Hartbeck
Magazine Cover: Tom White
Magazine Feature Writing: Jeannette Cooperman
Magazine Page Design, Portfolio: Tom White
Magazine Profile Writing: Nicholas Phillips
Magazine News Writing: Amanda Woytus
Magazine Arts and Culture Writing: Amanda Woytus
Magazine Page Design, Profile: Emily Cramsey
Magazine Page Design, General: Tom White
Magazine Reader Service: Nicholas Phillips, Amanda Woytus, Samantha Stevenson, Mike Miller, Jen Roberts
Great Plains Magazine Photographer of the Year: Kevin A. Roberts
Great Plains Magazine Writer of the Year: Jeannette Cooperman
Jarrett Medlin, finalist
Judd Demaline, finalist
Laura Miserez, finalist
Liz Miller, finalist
Mike Fitzgerald, finalist
Rosalind Early, finalist
St. Louis Magazine Staff, finalist

Sunflower Publishing
Magazine Fashion Photo: Vixen Photography, Shelly Bryant, Nathan Pettengill
Alex Tatro, finalist
Amber Fraley, finalist
Chris Luxem, finalist
Evan McHenry, finalist 
Lana Grove, finalist
Leslie Andres, finalist
Martinez Hillard, finalist

The Reader
Business Feature: Chris Bowling
Leo Adam Biga, finalist
Lynn Sanchez, finalist

Tulsa Kids Magazine
Aaron Campbell, finalist
Alicia McClendon, finalist
Betty Casey, finalist
Natalie Mikles, finalist
Quraysh Ali Lansana, finalist
Tara Rittler, finalist

Tulsa World
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Susan Ellerbach
Best Website Design, Project: Staff 
Entertainment Feature: Jimmie Tramel
Special Section: Randy Krehbiel, Kendrick Marshall, Mike Strain, Susan Ellerbach, James Royal, Tim Chamberlin, Paul Tyrrell
News Column Portfolio: Wayne Greene
Andrea Eger, finalist
Ginnie Graham, finalist
Ian Maule, finalist 
James D. Watts Jr., finalist
James Royal, finalist
Kendrick Marshall, finalist
Mike Simons, finalist
Tim Stanley, finalist
Tulsa World Staff, finalist
Wayne Greene, finalist

TulsaPeople Magazine
2021 Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame: Jim Langdon
Magazine Lifestyle Writing: Staff
Magazine Page Design, Lifestyle: Madeline Crawford, Georgia Brooks
Connie Cronley, finalist
Georgia Brooks, finalist
Madeline Crawford, finalist
Natalie Mikles, finalist
Staff, finalist

Wichita Eagle
Sports Reporting: Taylor Eldridge

STUDENT CATEGORIES

The Campus — Oklahoma City University
Review: Troy Freeman
Clara Foster, finalist
Emily Wollenberg, finalist
Francesca Iacovacci, finalist
Hope Melton, finalist
Jess Vanek, finalist
Luke Barrett, finalist 
Madison Bailey, finalist
Madison Bowes, finalist
MaKayla Baxter, finalist
Melissa Campbell, finalist
Paul Dower, finalist 
Stephen Jackson, finalist

The O’Colly — Oklahoma State University
Dan Harrison Memorial Great Plains Student Photographer of the Year: Joshua Cleary
Maddie Farris, finalist
Ryan Novozinsky, finalist

The Daily Iowan — The University of Iowa
Dan Harrison Memorial Great Plains Student Writer of the Year: Julia Shanahan
Dan Harrison Memorial Great Plains Student Designer of the Year: Kate Doolittle
Dan Harrison Memorial Great Plains Student Editor in Chief of the Year: Sarah Watson
Great Plains Student Newspaper of the Year: Sarah Watson, Caleb McCullough, Alexandra Skores
Great Plains Student Website of the Year: Kelsey Harrell
Katie Goodale, finalist

DITV NOW — The University of Iowa
Great Plains Student Broadcast of the Year: Shivansh Ahuja, Kade Overton
Bailey Cichon, finalist
Kade Overton, finalist
Shivansh Ahuja, finalist

The Gazette – Langston Univeristy
Na’Tianna Stocker, finalist

The Hill – University of Arkansas
Great Plains Dan Harrison Student Magazine of the Year: Natalie Demaree, Shapiro Mary Katherine

Muleskinner – University of Central Missouri
Bethany Spitzmiller, finalist

The Oracle — Oral Roberts University
News Feature Video: Sterling Zoe Rubottom, Deborah Laker, Gabriel Jaggernauth, Alexa Mostrom, Chisom Uche-Onyilofor

OState TV
Malley Jones, finalist
OState TV Crew, finalist

The Vista and UCentral News — University of Central Oklahoma
Great Plains Student Broadcaster of the Year: Amanda Siew, finalist
Ashley Jones, finalist
Jay Mayes, finalist
Mikala Novitsky, finalist

The University Daily Kansan – University of Kansas
Conner Heaton, finalist
Kansan Staff, finalist
KUJH Staff, finalist
Lucy Peterson, finalist
Nichola McDowell, finalist
Nicole Asbury, finalist

Tulsa Press Club
The Tulsa Press Club was founded in 1906 as a members-only professional organization offering networking, education events and social opportunities. The Tulsa Press Club promotes the highest standards in journalism with an emphasis in recognizing young journalism talent through its annual scholarship initiatives. Visit tulsapressclub.org for more information.  

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The Tulsa Press Club Foundation has named the 2021 Great Plains Journalism Award and its first class of Hall of Fame inductees. 

For the 12th-consecutive year, the regional contest is honoring print, online, TV and magazine journalists for outstanding stories, photography and design. The eight-state competition includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.

This year also marks a first for Tulsa Press Club as it celebrates its inaugural class of inductees to the Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame:
Brenda Blagg of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Susan Ellerbach of Tulsa World
Kelly Dyer Fry of The Oklahoman
Mike Kelly of Omaha World-Herald
Jim Langdon of TulsaPeople Magazine

Professional and student category winners will be announced May 7 during the virtual award ceremony. The 2021 Great Plains Journalism Awards will stream live and feature Tulsa native Roy S. Johnson as the 2021 Distinguished Lecturer during the live broadcast on Tulsa Press Club’s Facebook page.

2021 Finalists:

40/29 News	Adam Call Roberts
605 Magazine	Alana Snyder
	John Snyder
	Jordan Cushman
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette	Alan Koonse
	Andy Davis
	Brian Smith
	Carrie Hill
	Cary Jenkins
	David Barham
	Eric Besson
	George Stoia
	Ginny Monk
	Helaine R. Williams
	Jeannie Roberts
	John Brummett
	John Deering
	John Moritz
	Joseph Flaherty
	Justin Cunningham
	Kat Stromquist
	Kelly Brant
	Lara Farrar
	Lisa Hammersly
	Maggie McNeary
	Mark Dooley
	Mary Alston
	Rachel O’Neal
	Sandra Tyler
	Staff
	Stan Denman
	Staton Breidenthal
	Stephen Steed
	Stephen Swofford
	Tommy Metthe
	Tony Holt
	Walter Hussman
	William Sanders
	Yutao Chen
Curbside Chronicle	George Lang
	Jacquelyn Walsh
	Jayna Hadwiger
	Katrina Ward
	Natalie Kent
	Nate Ward
	Nathan Poppe
	Travis Tindell
	William Muschinske
Daily American Republic	Barbara Ann Horton
	Brian Rosener
	Donna Farley
	Michael Shine
	Michelle Friedrich
	Mike Buhler
	Nancy Nelson Vines
	Paul Davis
	Scott Borkgren
DITV	Bailey Cichon
	Kade Overton
	Shivansh Ahuja
Iowa Falls Times Citizen	Sara Konrad Baranowski
Lincoln Journal Star	Chris Dunker
	Cindy Lange-Kubick
	Francis Gardler
	Justin Wan
Make Oklahoma Weirder	Evan Jarvicks
Mitchell Republic	Matt Gade
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette	Andy Shupe
	Carrie Hill
	Charlie Kaijo
	Dan Holtmeyer
	Dave Perozek
	Doug Thompson
	Emily Walkenhorst
	Hunter Field
	Jeff Mitchell
	Kat Stromquist
	Lara Farrar
	Lara Hightower
	Lisa Thompson
	Maggie McNeary
	Mary Jordan
	Sandra Tyler
	Sonny Albarado
	Spencer Tirey
	Tony Reyes
Oklahoma City University	Clara Foster
	Emily Wollenberg
	Francesca Iacovacci
	Hope Melton
	Jess Vanek
	Luke Barrett
	Madison Bailey
	Madison Bowes
	MaKayla Baxter
	Melissa Campbell
	Paul Dower
	Stephen Jackson
	Troy Freeman
Oklahoma Humanities Magazine	Andy Rieger
	Anne Richardson
	Art Lien
	Ayelet Tsabari
	Carla Walker
	Cindy Allen
	David Craig
	Dick Pryor
	Kimberly Roblin
	Rich Lenz
	Sara Bowersock
	Susan Ellerbach
Oklahoma Today	Ashley Dawn
	Liz Blood
	Nathan Gunter
	Oklahoma Today Staff
	Sam Anderson
	Shane Bevel
	Steven Walker
Oklahoma Watch	Art Haddaway
	Ayanna Najuma
	Cecilia Hernandez-Cromwell
	Dany Varghese
	Dawn Shelton
	Elizabeth Caldwell
	Heather Slingerland
	J.D. Meisner
	Jacob Threadgill
	Jacob Unruh
	James Coburn
	Jenni Carlson
	Jennifer Palmer
	Kathryn McNutt
	Kristi Eaton
	Lindsey Chastain
	Miguel Rios
	Mike Simons
	Paul Monies
	Siali Siaosi
	Steve Lackmeyer
	Traci Chapman
	Trevor Brown
	Whitney Bryen
Omaha Magazine	Bill Sitzmann
	Doug Meigs
	Mady Besch
	Matt Wieczorek
	Omaha Magazine
Omaha World-Herald	Alia Conley
	Anna Reed
	Chris Heady
	Chris Machian
	Christopher Burbach
	Cory Gilinsky
	Dirk Chatelain
	Erin Duffy
	Erin Duffy
	Evan Bland
	Henry Cordes
	Jake Anderson
	Jeff Robb
	Jessica Wade
	Joe Dejka
	Jon Nyatawa
	Julie Anderson
	Kristin Donovan
	Matt Haney
	Mike Patterson
	Nancy Gaarder
	Natalie Saenz
	Paul Hammel
	Rick Ruggles
	Sam McKewon
	Staff
	Stu Pospisil
	Tammy Yttri
	Todd Cooper
	Zach Tegler
OState TV	Malley Jones
	OState TV Crew
Presence Magazine	Shane Bevel
South Dakota News Watch	Bart Pfankuch
	Nick Lowrey
St. Louis Magazine	Amanda Woytus
	Emily Cramsey
	Jarrett Medlin
	Jeannette Cooperman
	Jen Roberts
	Judd Demaline
	Kevin A. Roberts
	Laura Miserez
	Liz Miller
	Mike Fitzgerald
	Mike Miller
	Mike Miller
	Nicholas Phillips
	R.J. Hartbeck
	Rosalind Early
	Samantha Stevenson
	St. Louis Magazine Staff
	Tom White
Sunflower Publishing	Alex Tatro
	Amber Fraley
	Chris Luxem
	Evan McHenry
	Lana Grove
	Leslie Andres
	Martinez Hillard
	Nathan Pettengill
	Shelly Bryant
	Vixen Photography
The Augustana Mirror and 605 Magazine	Alana Snyder
	Dawn Geertsema
	Janet Blank Libra
	Jeffrey Miller
The Daily Iowan	Alexandra Skores
	Caleb McCullough
	Julia Shanahan
	Kate Doolittle
	Katie Goodale
	Kelsey Harrell
	Sarah Watson
The Daily O’Collegian	Joshua Cleary
	Maddie Farris
	Ryan Novozinsky
The Frontier	Brianna Bailey
	Kassie McClung
The Gazette	Na’Tianna Stocker
The Oklahoman	Berry Tramel
	Bobby Ross Jr.
	Brandy McDonnell
	Bryan Terry
	Bryan Terry
	chris landsberger
	Dale Denwalt
	Dave Cathey
	David Dishman
	Jack Money
	Jacob Unruh
	Jeff Patterson
	Jenni Carlson
	Joe Mussatto
	Josh Dulaney
	Nate Billings
	Paige Dillard
	Sarah Phipps
	The Oklahoman Staff
The Oracle	Alexa Mostrom
	Chisom Uche-Onyilofor
	Deborah Laker
	Gabriel Jaggernauth
	Sterling Zoe Rubottom
The Reader	Chris Bowling
	Leo Adam Biga
	Lynn Sanchez
Tulsa Kids Magazine	Aaron Campbell
	Alicia McClendon
	Betty Casey
	Natalie Mikles
	Quraysh Ali Lansana
	Tara Rittler
Tulsa World	Andrea Eger
	Ginnie Graham
	Ian Maule
	James D. Watts Jr.
	James Royal
	Jimmie Tramel
	Kendrick Marshall
	Mike Simons
	Mike Strain
	Paul Tyrrell
	Randy Krehbiel
	Susan Ellerbach
	Tim Chamberlin
	Tim Stanley
	Tulsa World Staff
	Wayne Greene
TulsaPeople Magazine	Connie Cronley
	Georgia Brooks
	Madeline Crawford
	Natalie Mikles
	Staff
University of Arkansas — The Hill	Natalie Demaree
	Shapiro Mary Katherine
University of Central Missouri – Muleskinner	Bethany Spitzmiller
University of Central Oklahoma	Amanda Siew
	Ashley Jones
	Jay Mayes
	Mikala Novitsky
University of Kansas — University Daily Kansan	Conner Heaton
	Kansan Staff
	KUJH Staff
	Lucy Peterson
	Nichola McDowell
	Nicole Asbury
Wichita Eagle	Taylor Eldridge

Roy S. Johnson was born on March 19, 1956 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended the prestigious Holland Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and went on to graduate from Stanford University with his B.A. degree in political science

Johnson’s career includes time at Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Money and Fortune magazine, Vanguarde Media, where he launched Savoy Magazine, and Men’s Fitness magazine. He has also written for many other publications and websites, including Life Goes Strong and ESPN.com.

He also founded many companies, including RSJ Media Solutions, a company that offers digital content strategy and media training, Fit! Live! Win! LLC, a digital corporate wellness communications firm, Write on Essays!, and was named editor-in-chief and executive director of the History Channel’s magazine and the History Channel Club.

He has been a frequent television and radio contributor on the topics of sports, fitness, nutrition, wellness and healthy living and also served as executive producer of several television programs that have aired on national broadcast and cable networks and co-authored three books.

Johnson has been a longstanding member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and has served on the board of the International Athletic Foundation. He also created the Roy S. Johnson Foundation, which provides financial assistance to minority youth from his hometown in Oklahoma.

Johnson will deliver a keynote lecture and Q&A session during the livestream awards ceremony at 11:30 a.m., May 7, on Facebook.

Entries to the 2021 Great Plains Journalism Awards are being accepted now through Feb. 1 at betternewspapercontest.com. Click here to see the professional and student categories.

New to this year’s contest is the inaugural Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame recognition. Find out more about entry rules here.

Multimedia & Web

• Online Project Winner – Whitney Bryen, Oklahoma Watch
• News Feature Video Winner – Sterling Zoe Rubottom, Cicely Rubottom, Gabriel Jaggernauth, The Oracle – Oral Roberts University
• Multimedia Graphic, Project or Series – Yutao Chen, Cynthia Howell, Arkansas Democrat- Gazette
• Best Website Design, Project – Staff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Magazines

• News Writing – Betty Casey, Tulsa Kids Magazine
• Feature Writing – Doug Meigs, Omaha Magazine
• Profile Writing – Doug Meigs, Omaha Magazine
• Column Writing – Nathan Gunter, Oklahoma Today
• Lifestyle Writing – Julius Frederick, Omaha Magazine
• Food Feature Writing – Greg Elwell, Oklahoma Today
• Reader Service – Nathan Poppe, The Curbside Chronicle
• Arts & Culture Writing – Nathan Poppe, The Curbside Chronicle
• Graphic/Illustration – Joshua Boydston, The Curbside Chronicle
• Page Design, Profile – Matt Wieczorek, Omaha Magazine
• Page Design, Lifestyle – Mady Besch, Omaha Magazine
• Page Design, Reader Service – William Muschinske, The Curbside Chronicle
• Page Design, General – Matt Wieczorek, Omaha Magazine
• Page Design, Portfolio – Meera Nagarjan, Allyson Mace, Sauce Magazine
• Magazine Cover – Nathan Gunter, Lori Duckworth, Steven Walker, Oklahoma Today

Photography

• Specialty Photography, Newspaper – Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
• Newspaper Portrait Photography – Mike Simons, Tulsa World
• General News Photography – Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
• Spot News Photography – Staton Breidenthal, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• News Photography, Multiple – Matt Gade, The Daily Republic
• Feature Photography, Single – Mike Simons, Tulsa World
• Sports Action Photography – Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman
• Sports Feature Photography – Ian Maule, Tulsa World
• Magazine Portrait – Bill Sitzmann, Omaha Magazine
• Magazine Specialty Photography – Ryan West, The Curbside Chronicle
• Magazine Photography, Multiple – Nathan Poppe, The Curbside Chronicle
• Magazine Lifestyle Photography – Bill Sitzmann, Omaha Magazine
• Magazine Fashion Photography – Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
• Magazine Photography, Feature – Eric Francis, Hail Varsity

Newspapers

• News Package – Ashley Parrish, James Royal, Andrea Eger, Ian Maule, Tulsa World
• Project/Investigative Reporting – Henry Cordes, Erin Duffy, Omaha World-Herald
• General News Reporting – Emily Nitcher, Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald
• General News Continuing Coverage – Lisa Hammersly, Ginny Monk, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• Narrative Story/Series – Dirk Chatelain, Omaha World-Herald
• Beat Reporting – Bart Pfankuch, South Dakota News Watch
• Feature Writing – Erin Grace, Omaha World-Herald
• Business Feature – Henry Cordes, Erin Duff, Omaha World-Herald
• Business Reporting – Bart Pfankuch, South Dakota News Watch
• Sports Reporting – Joe Mussatto, The Oklahoman
• Sports Feature – Chris Heady, Omaha World-Herald
• Sports Column – Dirk Chatelain, Omaha World-Herald
• Review – Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman
• Food – Denise Neil, Wichita Eagle
• Entertainment Feature – Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• Specialty Feature – Michael Smith, Tulsa World
• Special Section – Staff, Omaha World-Herald
• News Page Design – Tammy Yttri, Omaha World-Herald
• Feature Page Design – Jessica Thompson, Omaha World-Herald
• Sports Page Design – Jeff Patterson, The Oklahoman
• Graphic/Illustration – Matt Haney, Omaha World-Herald
• Editorial Cartoon – John Deering, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• Editorial Portfolio – Wayne Greene, Tulsa World
• News Column – John Brummett, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• Headline – Cory Gilinsky, Omaha World-Herald

Best of Great Plains

• Student Broadcast of the Year – DITV, The Daily Iowan
• Student Website of the Year – dailyiowan.com, The Daily Iowan – The University of Iowa
• Student Newspaper of the Year – The University Daily Kansan, The University of Kansas
• Website of the Year – 40/29 News, 4029tv.com
• Magazine Photographer of the Year – John Snyder, 605 Magazine
• Magazine Writer of the Year – Jordan Hickey, Arkansas Life Magazine
• Magazine of the Year – Oklahoma Today
• Designer of the Year – Tammy Yttri, Omaha World-Herald
• Newspaper Photographer of the Year – Ian Maule, Tulsa World
• Newspaper Writer of the Year – Peter Salter, Lincoln Journal Star
• Newspaper of the Year – Omaha World- Herald

Dan Harrison Memorial Scholarships

• Student Photographer or the Year – Katina Zentz, The Daily Iowan – The University of Iowa
• Student Writer of the Year – Julia Shanahan, The Daily Iowan – The University of Iowa
• Student Editor-in-Chief of the Year – Marissa Payne, The Daily Iowan – The University of Iowa
• Student Designer of the Year – Jim Geerdes, The Daily Iowan – University of Iowa
• Student Broadcaster of the Year – Keely Drew McCormick, KUJH – The University of Kansas

40/29 News
Adam Roberts

605 Magazine
Alana Snyder
John Snyder
Kyle Determan
Staff
Yany Avelar

Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Cary Jenkins
Clara Turnage
Cynthia Howell
Debra Hale-Shelton
Emily Walkenhorst
Gavin Lesnick
Ginny Monk
Hunter Field
John Sykes Jr.
John Brummett
John Deering
John Moritz
Lisa Hammersly
Michael R. Wickline
Nikki Dawes
Philip Martin
Rachel Herzog
Staff
Staton Breidenthal
Stephen Simpson
Steve Rogers
Terry Austin
Tommy Metthe
Yutao Chen

Arkansas Democrat Gazette Magazines
Arshia Khan
Emma Devine
Evin Demirel
Jordan Hickey
Staci Miller
Wyndham Wyeth

Arkansas Traveler
Chase Reavis
Arkansas Traveler staff

DITV
Jon Rawson
Kade Overton
Staff

Hail Varsity
Brandon Vogel
Eric Francis
John Peterson
Paul Bellinger

Lincoln Journal Star
Cindy Lange-Kubick
John Schreier
Peter Salter
Staff
Steven Sipple

NonDoc Media
Tres Savage

Oklahoma Humanities Magazine
Anne Richardson
Carla Walker

Oklahoma Today
Colleen McIntyre
Greg Elwell
Karlie Ybarra
Lori Duckworth
Megan Rossman
Nathan Gunter
Steven Walker
TravelOK Development Team
VI Marketing

Oklahoma Watch
Jesse Howe
Whitney Bryen

Omaha Food Magazine
Joseph Kenney

Omaha Magazine
Bill Sitzmann
Derek Joy
Doug Meigs
Julius Fredrick
Mady Besch
Mary Jane Doe
Matt Wieczorek
Pete Rickets
Sean McCarthy
Tommy Garrett

Omaha World Herald
Chris Heady
Chris Machian
Connie White
Cory Gilinsky
Dirk Chatelain
Emily Nitcher
Erin Duffy
Erin Grace
Henry Cordes
Jessica Thompson
Joe Dejka
Matt Haney
Michael Boehnlein
Rich Mills
Staff
Tammy Yttri

Sauce Magazine
Adam Rothbarth
Allyson Mace
Carmen Troesser
Greg Rannells
Heather Hughes Huff
Izaiah Johnson
Madison Sanders
Meera Nagarajan
Samuel Reed

South Dakota News Watch
Bart Pfankuch

Sunflower Publishing
Haleigh McGavock
Jason Dailey
Jenni Leiste
Nick Krug
Shelly Bryant
Staff

The Collegian — University of Tulsa
Emma Palmer

The Connection — Tulsa Community College
Abbigail Dean
Sam Levrault
Terizah West

The Curbside Chronicle
Amanda Simcoe
Jayna Hadwiger
Joshua Boydston
Jordan Barton
Meghan Mueller
Nathan Poppe
Ryan West
William Muschinske

The Daily Iowan
Jim Geerdes
Julia Shanahan
Katina Zentz
Marissa Payne
Staff

The Daily O’Collegian
Hallie Hart

The Daily Republic
Matt Gade

The Frontier
Brianna Bailey
Dylan Goforth

The Oklahoman
Ben Felder
Berry Tramel
Brandy McDonnell
Bryan Terry
Carla Hinton
Chris Landsberger
Dale Denwalt
Darla Smith
David Dishman
Jack Money
Jeff Patterson
Jenni Carlson
Joe Mussatto
Josh Dulaney
Kayla Branch
Nate Billings
Paige Williams
Randy Ellis
Sarah Phipps
Steve Lackmeyer
Todd Pendleton

The Oracle
Cicely Rubottom
Faith Wilson
Gabriel Jaggernauth
Sterling Zoe Rubottom

Tulsa Kids Magazine
Betty Casey

Tulsa World
Andrea Eger
Ashley Parrish
Bruce Plante
Ginnie Graham
Guerin Emig
Ian Maule
James Watts
Jimmie Tramel
Kyle Margerum
Matt Barnard
Michael Dekker
Michael Smith
Mike Simons
Scott Cherry
Staff
Steve Reckinger
Tim Stanley
Vanessa Pearson
Wayne Greene

Tulsa World Magazine
Kevin Canfield
Scott Cherry
Staff

TulsaPeople Magazine
Connie Cronley

University of Arkansas — The Hill
Taffy Kavanaugh

University of Kansas — University Daily Kansan
Becky Phelps
Bryanna Crouch
Keely Drew McCormick
Savanna Smith
Staff

University of Oklahoma — The Oklahoma Daily
Caitlyn Epes
Jana Allen
Paxson Haws

Wichita Eagle
Chance Swaim
Denise Neil
Dion Lefler
Taylor Eldridge

Yankton County Observer
Brian Hunhoff

To promote the highest standards of journalism, the Tulsa Press Club and the Tulsa Press Club Foundation presents the 2020 Great Plains Journalism Awards. Journalists from newspapers, magazines and websites from across the eight-state region are invited to enter their best work from the 2019 calendar year. After an extensive judging process, winners will be recognized at an awards banquet and conference in Tulsa on April 27, 2020. Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Messenger, columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, will be recognized as our distinguished lecturer.

The 2020 competition rules and categories can be viewed here.

(Tulsa, OK) – The Tulsa Press Club is proud to announce the 2019 Great Plains Journalism Awards winners.
The Great Plains Journalism Awards is a regional contest honoring print, web, TV and magazine journalists for outstanding stories, photography and design. The eight-state competition includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Joe Kelley, news director and host of Orlando’s News 96.5 FM received the Distinguished Lecturer Award and gave the keynote lunch address at the May 10 event at the Mayo Hotel. The top nine overall winners are:
Great Plains Newspaper of the Year: Tulsa World
Great Plains Magazine of the Year: St. Louis Magazine
Great Plains Website of the Year: St. Louis Magazine
Great Plains Designer of the Year: Jessica Thompson, Omaha World-Herald
Great Plains Newspaper Writer of the Year: Josh Dulaney, The Oklahoman
Great Plains Newspaper Photographer/Portfolio of the Year: Matt Gade, The Daily Republic
Great Plains Magazine Photographer/Portfolio of the Year: Arshia Khan, Arkansas Life Magazine
Great Plains Magazine Writer of the Year: Jeannette Cooperman, St. Louis Magazine
Great Plains Student Newspaper of the Year: The Daily Iowan

More than 600 entries were received this year, with winners and finalists named in 71 professional and student categories. Five student journalists were awarded $1,500 scholarships named after former Tulsa Press Club president and ONEOK executive Dan Harrison.
Thank you to our 2019 sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation Businesses, ONEOK, Bank of Oklahoma, Cox Communications, Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, Trust Company of Oklahoma, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Langdon Publishing, Tulsa Community College, TTCU Federal Credit Union, Resolute PR, Tulsa Regional Chamber, and Hillcrest HealthCare System.

Below is a list of the 2019 Great Plains Journalism Awards winners and finalists by publication.

(Aberdeen) American News
Shannon Marvel, finalist

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
General News Reporting: Eric Besson, Lisa Hammersly, Doug Thompson, Michael R. Wickline, John Moritz
Beat Reporting: Emily Walkenhorst, Eric Besson
Spot News Photography: Mitchell Pe Masilun
Business Reporting: Stephen Steed
Editorial Portfolio: David Barham, Walter Hussman
Spot News Video: Gavin Lesnick
John Moritz, finalist
Amanda Claire Curcio, finalist
Celia Storey, finalist
Gavin Lesnick, finalist
Ginny Monk, finalist
Jillian Kremer, finalist  
John Brummett, finalist
John Deering, finalist
John Moritz, finalist
Kat Stromquist, finalist
Maggie McNeary, finalist
Mitchell Pe Masilun, finalist
Nathan Owens, finalist
Nikki Dawes, finalist
Philip Martin, finalist
Ryan Tarinelli, finalist
Sean Clancy, finalist
Sports Staff, finalist
Staff, finalist
Tommy Metthe, finalist

Arkansas Life
Great Plains Magazine Photographer of the Year: Arshia Khan
Graphics/Illustration: Nikki Dawes
Magazine Lifestyle Writing: Seth Eli Barlow
Arshia Khan, finalist
Emma Devine, finalist
Johnny Carrol Sain, finalist
Jordan Hickey, finalist
Katie Bridges, finalist
Liz Chrisman, finalist
Wyndham Wyeth, finalist

Des Moines Register
Matthew Bain, finalist

FOX23 News
Brent Snider, finalist
Caitlin Huggins, finalist
Danny Boy O’Connor, finalist
Ron Terrell, finalist

Global Sisters Report
Online Feature Writing: Dawn Araujo-Hawkins

Golf Oklahoma
Ken MacLeod, finalist

GRAND Lifestyle Magazine
Jaci Satterlund, finalist
Patrick Miller, finalist

Hail Varsity
Magazine Column Writing: Mike Babcock
Aaron Babcock, finalist
Brandon Vogel, finalist
Eric Francis, finalist
Mike Babcock, finalist
Paul Bellinger, finalist
Quentin Lueninghoener, finalist

KJRH, Channel 2 Tulsa
Online General News: Sarah Dewberry

KTUL
Andrejs Dabars, finalist
Maureen Wurtz, finalist

Lincoln Journal Star
Specialty Feature: Peter Salter
Alex Lantz, finalist
Cindy Lange-Kubick, finalist
Francis Gardler, finalist
Margaret Reist, finalist
Staff, finalist

NET (Nebraska Educational Telecommunications)
Sports Video: Mike Tobias, Ralph Hammack, Jr, Emily Kreutz, Erin Green
Online Project: Grant Gerlock, Mary Anne Andrei, Matthew Hodapp, Chad Davis, Dennis Kellogg
Bill Kelly, finalist
Brian Seifferlein, finalist
Dennis Kellogg, finalist,
Jim Lenertz, finalist
Ralph Hammack, Jr, finalist
Werner Althaus, finalist

Oklahoma Today
Heidi Jo Mann, finalist

Oklahoma Watch
Jennifer Palmer, finalist

Omaha Magazine
Magazine Photography, Feature: Bill Sitzmann
Magazine Lifestyle Photography: Bill Sitzmann
Magazine Cover: Derek Joy
Magazine Studio Photography: Derek Joy, Bill Sitzmann
Magazine Portrait: Bill Sitzmann
Multimedia Graphic: Doug Meigs, Sarah Locke, Lindsay Wilson, Matt Wieczorek, William Hess
Bill Sitzmann, finalist
Doug Meigs, finalist
Matt Wieczorek, finalist
Joe Pankowski, finalist
Leo Adam Biga, finalist
Mady Besch, finalist
Otis Twelve, finalist

Omaha World-Herald
Great Plains Designer of the Year: Jessica Thompson
Sports Feature Photography: Chris Machian
Sports Reporting: Dirk Chatelain
News Page Design: Michael Boenhlein
Best Website Design, Project: Staff
Sports Feature: Dirk Chatelain
Feature Video: Brendan Sullivan
Graphics/Illustration: Matt Haney
Feature Page Design: Michael Boenhlein
Feature Writing: Matthew Hansen
News Photography, Multiple: Kent Sievers, Jeff Bundy
Portrait: Ryan Soderlin
Review: Micah Mertes
Editorial Cartoon: Jeff Koterba
Project/Investigative Reporting: Steve Liewer
Alia Conley, finalist
Betsie Freeman, finalist
Blake Ursch, finalist
Brendan Sullivan, finalist
Chris Heady, finalist
Dirk Chatelain, finalist
Erin Grace, finalist
Henry J. Cordes, finalist
Jeffrey Robb, finalist
Jessica Thompson, finalist
Joe McCarty, finalist
Kent Sievers, finalist
Mady Besch, finalist
Micah Mertes, finalist
Michael Boenhlein, finalist
Paul Hammel, finalist 
Ryan Soderlin, finalist
Sarah McCallister, finalist
Staff, finalist
Tom Shatel, finalist

Sauce Magazine
Magazine Photography, Multiple: Carmen Troesser
Allyson Mace, finalist
Heather Hughes, finalist
Meera Nagarajan, finalist

St. Louis Magazine
Great Plains Magazine of the Year: St. Louis Magazine Staff
Great Plains Magazine Writer of the Year: Jeannette Cooperman
Great Plains Website of the Year: Staff
Magazine Feature Writing: Jeannette Cooperman
Magazine Page Design: Tom White
Magazine Profile Writing: Jeannette Cooperman
Magazine News Writing: Jeannette Cooperman
Emily Cramsey, finalist
Jeannette Cooperman, finalist
Tom White, finalist

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Personal Column Portfolio: Tony Messenger
Aisha Sultan, finalist
Staff, finalist
Tod Robberson, finalist

Sunflower Publishing
Amanda Nagengast, finalist
Bill Stephens, finalist
Brian Goodman, finalist
Jenni Leiste, finalist
Kelly Gibson, finalist
Leslie Andres, finalist
Marcus George, finalist
Nathan Pettengill, finalist
Nick Krug, finalist
Sarah Reeves, finalist
Seth Jones, finalist

The Curbside Chronicle
Matt Goad, finalist
Nathan Poppe, finalist

The Daily Republic
Great Plains Newspaper Photographer/Portfolio of the Year: Matt Gade
Feature Photography, Multiple: Matt Gade
Matt Gade, finalist

The Oklahoman
Great Plains Newspaper Writer of the Year: Josh Dulaney
Sports Action Photography: Bryan Terry 
Sports Column: Jenni Carlson  
Narrative Story/Series: Josh Dulaney
Headline Portfolio: Felicia Murray
Sports Page Design: Jeff Patterson
Business Feature: David Dishman, Dave Cathey
Adam Kemp, finalist
Berry Tramel, finalist
Brandy McDonnell, finalist
Bryan Terry, finalist
Carla Hinton, finalist
Chris Casteel, finalist
Chris Landsberger, finalist
Darla Slipke, finalist
David Morris, finalist
Jack Money, finalist
Jacob Unruh, finalist
Jeff Patterson, finalist
Jenni Carlson, finalist
Ken Raymond, finalist
Nolan Clay, finalist
Randy Ellis, finalist
Staff, finalist
Todd Pendleton, finalist

The Tulsa Voice
Food: Angela Evans
Entertainment Feature: Lyndsay Knecht
Madeline Crawford, finalist

TulsaKids Magazine
General Blog Writing: Diane Morrow-Kondos
Betty Casey, finalist
Charles Foshee, finalist
Kristi Roe Owen, finalist
Natalie Mikles, finalist
Tara Rittler, finalist

Tulsa World
Great Plains Newspaper of the Year: Staff
General News Photography: Stephen Pingry
Specialty Photo: Matt Barnard
News Package: Staff
Feature Photography, Single: Ian Maule
Special Section: Staff
Andrea Eger, finalist
Bruce Plante, finalist
Corey Jones, finalist
Guerin Emig, finalist
Ian Maule, finalist
James Royal, finalist
James Watts, finalist
Jimmie Tramel, finalist
Kyle Margerum, finalist
Michael Overall, finalist
Mike Simons, finalist
Samantha Vicent, finalist
Scott Cherry, finalist
Staff, finalist
Stephen Pingry, finalist
Tim Stanley, finalist
Tom Gilbert, finalist
Vanessa Pearson, finalist
Wayne Greene, finalist

Tulsa World Magazine
Scott Cherry, finalist

STUDENT CATEGORIES
Arkansas Traveler — University of Arkansas
Dan Harrison Memorial Student Editor in Chief of the Year: Alex Nicoll
Andrea Johnson, finalist
Chase Reavis, finalist
Raleigh Anderson, finalist
Traveler Staff, finalist

Dailyiowan.com — University of Iowa
Aadit Tambe, finalist
Gage Miskimen, finalist
Katelyn Weisbrod, finalist

DITV — University of Iowa
Dan Harrison Memorial Student Broadcaster of the Year: Kaylyn Kluck
Dan Harrison Memorial Student Broadcast of the Year: Kaylyn Kluck

Kansas State Collegian — Kansas State University
Olivia Bergmeier, finalist

Oklahoma Daily — University of Oklahoma
Caitlyn Epes, finalist
Kayla Branch, finalist

The Daily Iowan — University of Iowa
Dan Harrison Memorial Student Photographer of the Year: James Year
Dan Harrison Memorial Student Writer of the Year: Marissa Payne
Dan Harrison Memorial Student Newspaper of the Year: Gage Miskimen, Katelyn Weisbrod, Marissa Payne
Dan Harrison Memorial Student Designer of the Year: Lily Anne Smith 
Gage Miskimen, finalist

The Daily O’Collegian — Oklahoma State University
Hallie Hart, finalist

The Gazette — Langston University
Jasmine Mayes, finalist

The Oracle — Oral Roberts University
Josh Crow, finalist
Sterling Zoe Rubottom, finalist 

The Volante — University of South Dakota
Austin Lammers, finalist
Leah Dusterhoft, finalist

University Daily Kansan — University of Kansas
Dan Harrison Memorial Student Website of the Year: Shaun Goodwin
Chandler Boese, finalist
Shaun Goodwin, finalistTulsa Press Club
The Tulsa Press Club was founded in 1906 as a members-only professional organization offering networking, education events and social opportunities. The Tulsa Press Club promotes the highest standards in journalism with an emphasis in recognizing young journalism talent through its annual scholarship initiatives. Visit tulsapressclub.org for more information. 

Thursday, May 9
5:30-7:30 p.m. | Free.
Meet and Greet at the Tulsa Press Club, 415 S. Boston Ave.
Mix and mingle with out-of-town journalists and meet the 2019 conference speakers. At 6 p.m., Todd Price, food and drinks writer for The Times-Picayune, will answer questions about covering a beloved topic like food in one of the world’s most gastronomic cities.
Catering by Lassalle’s.

Friday, May 10
Great Plains Journalism Awards and Conference at the Mayo Hotel, 115 W. Fifth St.
Luncheon tickets are $45, students/media; $50. Buy tickets here. Conference workshops are free to attend.
11 a.m.: registration
11:30 a.m.: luncheon, awards and scholarship presentation, distinguished lectureship
1:15 p.m.: Jeannette Cooperman, St. Louis Magazine
Interviewing: Going Deep
The skills that are invaluable for in-depth profiles, plus overcoming resistance like shyness and cliché answers.
2:15 p.m.: Todd Price, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
Leading the Conversation
Building an online food community and launching a brand for cross-platform success.
3:15 p.m.: Joe Kelley, distinguished lecturer, news director and host of Orlando’s Morning News on 96.5 WDBO
Knowing Your Audience
A radio guy’s perspective of the news landscape.
4 p.m.: Happy Hour at the Mayo Hotel’s Penthouse Bar

Entries were collected from contestants in the eight-state contest region 

(Tulsa, OK) – The finalists have been named for the 2019 Great Plains Journalism Awards. 

For the 10th-consecutive year, the regional contest is honoring print, online, TV and magazine journalists for outstanding stories, photography and design. The eight-state competition includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. 

Winners will be announced May 10 at the Mayo Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the event welcomes Joe Kelley, news director and host of Orlando’s Morning News show on 96.5 WDBO, as its distinguished lecturer. Joining Kelley as featured speakers will be acclaimed food and drinks writer Todd Price of NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, and St. Louis Magazine’s esteemed staff writer Jeannette Cooperman. All three speakers will present workshops to attendees following the awards luncheon at the Mayo Hotel, 115 W. Fifth St. 

Several student journalists will be among those recognized for their work. The Tulsa Press Club will award $1,500 scholarships to the winners in five individual student categories. 

Conference workshops are free to attend. Awards luncheon tickets are $50 for individuals, and $45 for students or media. Tickets are available at www.tulsapressclub.org/sponsorship-tickets. 

A free mix and mingle event featuring food and drinks inspired by New Orleans and a brief Q&A from Todd Price will be held the evening of May 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Press Club, 415 S. Boston Ave. 

Questions regarding the Great Plains Journalism Awards should be sent to greatplainsawards@gmail.com or call Anne Brockman at 918-585-9924, ext. 226 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). Complete rules and regulations are available here. 

2019 Finalists

(Aberdeen) American News

Shannon Marvel

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

John Moritz

Amanda Claire Curcio

Celia Storey

David Barham

Doug Thompson

Emily Walkenhorst

Eric Besson

Gavin Lesnick

Ginny Monk

Jillian Kremer

John Brummett

John Deering

John Moritz

Kat Stromquist

Lisa Hammersly

Maggie McNeary

Michael R. Wickline

Mitchell Pe Masilun

Nathan Owens

Nikki Dawes

Philip Martin

Ryan Tarinelli

Sean Clancy

Sports Staff

Staff

Stephen Steed

Tommy Metthe

Walter Hussman

Arkansas Life

Arshia Khan

Emma Devine

Johnny Carrol Sain

Jordan Hickey

Katie Bridges

Liz  Chrisman

Nikki Dawes

Seth Eli Barlow

Wyndham Wyeth

Arkansas Traveler — University of Arkansas

Alex  Nicoll

Andrea Johnson

Chase Reavis

Raleigh Anderson

Traveler Staff

dailyiowan.com — University of Iowa

Aadit  Tambe

Gage Miskimen

Katelyn Weisbrod

Des Moines Register

Matthew  Bain

DITV — University of Iowa

Kaylyn Kluck

FOX23 News

Brent Snider

Caitlin Huggins

Danny Boy O’Connor

Ron Terrell

Global Sisters Report

Dawn Araujo-Hawkins

Golf Oklahoma

Ken MacLeod

GRAND Lifestyle Magazine

Jaci Satterlund

Patrick Miller

Hail Varsity

Aaron Babcock

Brandon Vogel

Eric Francis

Mike Babcock

Paul Bellinger

Quentin Lueninghoener

Kansas State Collegian — Kansas State University

Olivia Bergmeier

KJRH, Channel 2 Tulsa

Sarah Dewberry

KTUL

Andrejs Dabars

Maureen Wurtz

Lincoln Journal Star

Alex Lantz

Cindy Lange-Kubick

Francis Gardler

Margaret Reist

Peter Salter

Staff

NET

Bill Kelly

Brian Seifferlein

Chad Davis

Dennis Kellogg

Emily Kreutz

Erin Green

Grant Gerlock

Jim  Lenertz

Mary Anne Andrei

Matthew Hodapp

Mike Tobias

Ralph Hammack, Jr

Werner Althaus

Oklahoma Daily — University of Oklahoma

Caitlyn Epes

Kayla  Branch

Oklahoma Today

Heidi Jo Mann

Oklahoma Watch

Jennifer Palmer

Omaha Magazine

Bill Sitzmann

Derek Joy

Doug Meigs

Joe Pankowski

Leo Adam Biga

Lindsay Wilson

Mady Besch

Matt Wieczorek

Otis Twelve

Sarah Locke

William Hess

Omaha World-Herald

Alia Conley

Betsie Freeman

Blake Ursch

Brendan  Sullivan

Chris Heady

Chris Machian

Dirk Chatelain

Erin Grace

Henry J. Cordes

Jeff Bundy

Jeff Koterba

Jeffrey Robb

Jessica  Thompson

Joe McCarty

Kent Sievers

Matt Haney

Matthew Hansen

Micah Mertes

Michael Boenhlein

Paul Hammel

Ryan Soderlin

Sarah McCallister

Staff

Steve Liewer

Tom Shatel

Sauce Magazine

Allyson Mace

Carmen  Troesser

Heather Hughes

Meera Nagarajan

St. Louis Magazine

Emily Cramsey

Jeannette Cooperman

Staff

Tom White

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Aisha Sultan

Staff

Tod Robberson

Tony Messenger

Sunflower Publishing

Amanda  Nagengast

Bill Stephens

Brian Goodman

Jenni Leiste

Kelly Gibson

Leslie Andres

Marcus George

Nathan Pettengill

Nick Krug

Sarah Reeves

Seth Jones

The Curbside Chronicle

Matt Goad

Nathan Poppe

The Daily Iowan — University of Iowa

Gage Miskimen

James Year

Katelyn Weisbrod

Lily Anne Smith

Marissa Payne

The Daily O’Collegian — Oklahoma State University

Hallie Hart

John Helsley

The Daily Republic

Matt Gade

The Gazette — Langston University

Jasmine Mayes

The Oklahoman

Adam Kemp

Berry Tramel

Brandy McDonnell

Bryan Terry

Carla Hinton

Chris Casteel

Chris Landsberger

Darla Slipke

Dave Cathey

David Dishman

David Morris

Felicia Murray

Jack Money

Jacob Unruh

Jeff Patterson

Jenni Carlson

Josh Dulaney

Ken Raymond

Nolan Clay

Randy Ellis

Staff

Todd Pendleton

The Oracle — Oral Roberts University

Josh Crow

Sterling Zoe Rubottom

The Tulsa Voice

Angela Evans

Lyndsay Knecht

Madeline Crawford

The Volante — University of South Dakota

Austin Lammers

Leah Dusterhoft

Tulsa Kids Magazine

Betty Casey

Charles Foshee

Diane Morrow-Kondos

Kristi Roe Owen

Natalie Mikles

Tara Rittler

Tulsa World

Andrea Eger

Bruce Plante

Corey Jones

Guerin Emig

Ian Maule

James Royal

James Watts

Jimmie Tramel

Kyle Margerum

Matt Barnard

Michael Overall

Mike Simons

Samantha Vicent

Scott Cherry

Staff

Stephen Pingry

Tim Stanley

Tom Gilbert

Vanessa Pearson

Wayne Greene

Tulsa World Magazine

Scott Cherry

University Daily Kansan — University of Kansas

Chandler Boese

Shaun Goodwin